Jires Kembo-Ekoko

Born January 8, 1988

Jires Kembo Ekoko is a footballer from Democratic Republic of the Congo, who plays for Al Ain FC. His father used to play for DR Congo (formerly Zaire) national team in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. At age 9, Kembo Ekoko had signed for youth team called AS Bondy in 1997. Four years later, he would join another youth team called Clairefontaine. After three years of training, he would join Rennes. Due to his technical qualities, he was earned a nickname "Kembinho" by his teammate. In his first season, Kembo Ekoko made his debut, coming on for Jimmy Briand in a match against Lille. In his third season, Kembo Ekoko made 13 appearance and scored 3, under Dreossi's successor Guy Lacombe. Kembo Ekoko scored his first Coupe de la Ligue's goal in a 2–2 draw. After one appearance for Rennes against Lyon, he joined Al Ain FC on a four-year deal. Kembo Ekoko is eligible to play for Congo or France, since he got a French Citizenship in 2008, and was called up for the national's team U21 squad.